Czech president: Türkiye ‘essential to NATO’s collective security’

Czech President Petr Pavel described Türkiye as “a strategically important ally whose geographic position and military capabilities make it essential to NATO’s collective security,” saying he looks forward to strengthening cooperation on shared security challenges. In written responses to Anadolu as the second day of the NATO summit began in Ankara, Pavel said Türkiye is an important partner for Czechia, adding that bilateral ties could be further strengthened through deeper cooperation in trade, investment, defence, security, and science.

Cooperation and defence spending

Pavel welcomed growing cooperation between Czech and Turkish companies in air defence and counter-drone technologies. He also underlined the potential to strengthen cooperation between Türkiye and the EU in energy, transportation, and migration. On burden‑sharing, he said: “Europe must take greater ownership of its own defence and security, because we can no longer assume others will always carry that responsibility for us.” He stressed that “a stronger European pillar means a stronger NATO, and we want the United States to remain firmly engaged alongside us.” He also noted that Europe must be ready to take full responsibility in the conventional domain.

Support for Ukraine

Pavel stressed the importance of continuing to support Ukraine until a “just and lasting peace” is reached. He recalled that the Czech government has pledged to allocate at least 2% of GDP to defence this year and raise that figure to 3.5% by 2035, emphasising that political will and implementation capacity are essential. His remarks reflect growing European resolve to bolster defence capabilities while maintaining transatlantic unity amid shifting US priorities.